Philadelphia Launches Income-Based Assistance Program for Water Bills

The City of Philadelphia today announced a new affordability program for low-income customers and those with special hardships to help reduce their monthly water bills. The Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) provides customers with significant savings by offering a consistent bill based on their income. Applications will be available beginning July 1.

Program highlights:

Customers do not have to be behind on their bill

Expanded eligibility; approximately 60,000 customers are now eligible

More ways to apply: Online, in-person and by mail

Income-based, consistent monthly bill

Past due amounts are suspended and not enforced upon while enrolled in the program

Only a single application is required

TAP will replace the current Water Revenue Assistance Program (WRAP) and the City grant will no longer be available. Current WRAP customers will be allowed to stay in that program if they recertify, however new customers cannot enroll. All customers are encouraged to apply again for assistance, as there may be a better program that suits their needs.

TAP is for residents whose income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is equivalent to $3,075 in monthly income for a four-person household. However, higher household incomes with a Special Hardship, may still qualify. But customers don’t have to figure out which program they fall into because trained representatives will do that for them. All customers who are struggling to pay their water bill should apply.

In addition, the Water Department and the Water Revenue Bureau are working with several partners who have been trained and are willing to provide assistance to customers who need help filling out an application. These partners include Community Legal Services, Energy Coordinating Agency, Utility Emergency Services Fund and Neighborhood Energy Centers.

The Philadelphia Water Department
The Philadelphia Water Department supplies water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the City of Philadelphia. www.phila.gov/water.

Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue is responsible for the collection of all revenue due to the City of Philadelphia, and all tax revenue due to the School District of Philadelphia. This includes the billing and collection of water and sewer charges.